Image scanning system

ABSTRACT

An image scanning system comprises: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a scan original and outputs image signals; an image processing circuit that executes image processing on the image signals; an image signal output device that outputs the image signals having undergone the image processing; a calculation device that calculates an estimated length of required time to complete image signal output after a scan instruction with regard to the scan original is issued; and a calculation result output device that outputs calculation results obtained at the calculation device.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of the following priority application is hereinincorporated by reference: Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-182891filed Jun. 24, 2002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image scanning system that convertsan image original to electronic data.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are image scanning apparatuses such as film scanners in the knownart that obtain image data by capturing an image of an image original.An image scanning apparatus normally executes a preliminaryimage-capturing operation on an original to be scanned, which is set ona stage, and determines the image-capturing conditions to be set for themain image-capturing operation by using image signals obtained throughthe preliminary image-capturing operation. Then, the mainimage-capturing operation is executed under the image-capturingconditions thus determined. The image signals obtained through the mainimage-capturing operation undergo image processing executed inconformance to predetermined image processing parameters and then arerecorded into a recording device as scanned image data.

If the preliminary image-capturing operation and the mainimage-capturing operation are executed for each of a plurality of framesof images to be scanned from a film original with the image scanningapparatus described above, the length of time required to complete thescanning of all the frames of images is bound to be considerable. Forthis reason, it is convenient for the operator to be able to ascertainin advance the length of time required to scan the images beforestarting to scan the original.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An image scanning system according to the present invention comprises:an image-capturing device that captures an image of a scan original andoutputs image signals; an image processing circuit that executes imageprocessing on the image signals; an image signal output device thatoutputs the image signals having undergone the image processing; acalculation device that calculates an estimated length of required timeto complete image signal output after a scan instruction with regard tothe scan original is issued; and a calculation result output device thatoutputs calculation results obtained at the calculation device.

The calculation device also calculates an estimated end time point byadding the estimated length of required time to a current time point;and the calculation result output device may output at least one of theestimated length of required time and the estimated end time point.

It is preferable that the image-capturing device executes a preliminaryimage-capturing operation and a main image-capturing operation on thescan original; and the calculation device calculates a total of lengthsof required time to execute steps of, at least, the preliminaryimage-capturing operation, the main image-capturing operation, the imageprocessing and the image signal output. It is also preferable to furthercomprise a storage device in which an actual length of required time isstored in memory in correspondence to each of the steps, the actuallength of time being a length of time having been required to actuallyexecute a step, and it is preferable that the calculation devicecalculates a length of required time to execute each of the steps byaveraging n values each representing the actual length of required timefor executing a step, which have been stored into the storage devicemost recently. The calculation device may calculate a length of requiredtime to execute each of the steps as a value most frequently indicatedamong values each representing the actual length of required time forexecuting a step, which have been stored in the storage device. It ispossible to further comprise a control device that controls the storagedevice so as not to store the actual length of required timecorresponding to a step among the steps under at least one of followingconditions: if the actual length of required time for the step exceeds apredetermined length of time; if the step is canceled while the step isin progress; and if an error occurs during the step. The calculationresult output device may also output a length of required time toexecute each of the steps.

It is preferable that the scan original includes a plurality of frames;the calculation device calculates the estimated length of required timeto complete output of all the image signals corresponding to designatedframes among the plurality of frames after a scan instruction is issuedwith regard to the designated frames; and the calculation result outputdevice outputs calculation results obtained by the calculation device.It is preferable that the image-capturing device executes a preliminaryimage-capturing operation and a main image-capturing operation for eachof the designated frames; and the calculation device calculates lengthsof time required to execute steps of, at least, the preliminaryimage-capturing operation, the main image-capturing operation, the imageprocessing and the image signal output for each of the designated framesand also calculates a length of required time to feed the scan original.

It is also possible to comprise a storage device in which an actuallength of required time is stored in memory in correspondence to each ofthe steps and a feed time that has been required to actually feed thescan original is also stored in memory, the actual length of requiredtime being a length of time having been required to actually execute astep, and it is preferable that the calculation device (a) calculates alength of required time to execute each of the steps by averaging nvalues each representing the actual lengths of required time forexecuting a step, which have been stored into the storage device mostrecently and (b) calculates the length of required time to feed the scanoriginal by averaging n values each representing the feed time, whichhave been stored into the storage device most recently. It is alsopossible that the calculation device (a) calculates a length of requiredtime to execute each of the steps as a value most frequently indicatedamong values each representing the actual length of required time forexecuting a step, that have been stored in the storage device and (b)calculates the length of required time to feed the scan original as avalue most frequently indicated among values each representing the feedtime, that have been stored in the storage device.

A computer-readable computer program product according to the presentinvention has an image scan processing control program. The controlprogram comprises: a start instruction for starting a scan of a scanoriginal; an image signal processing instruction for executing imageprocessing on image signals obtained by capturing an image of the scanoriginal; an image signal output instruction for outputting the imagesignals having undergone the image processing; a calculate instructionfor calculating an estimated length of required time to complete anoutput of the image signals after the start instruction for starting thescan is issued; a calculation result output instruction for outputtingcalculation results obtained in response to the calculate instruction.It is preferable that control is implemented in conformance to thecalculation instruction so as to further calculate an estimated end timepoint obtained by adding the estimated length of required time to acurrent time point; and control is implemented in conformance to thecalculation result output instruction so as to output at least one ofthe estimated length of required time and the estimated end time point.It is preferable that the computer-readable computer program product isa recording medium on which the image scan processing control program isrecorded. The computer-readable computer program product may be acarrier wave in which the image scan processing control program isembodied as a data signal.

An image scanning method according to the present invention captures animage of a scan original; executes image processing on image signalsobtained by capturing the image of the scan original; outputs the imagesignals having undergone the image processing; calculates an estimatedlength of required time to complete an output of the image signals aftera scan of the scan original is instructed; and outputs calculationresults with regard to the estimated length of required time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image scanning system achieved in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a flowchart of the processing executed at the hostcomputer;

FIG. 3 presents a display example of the thumbnail image display areaand the continuous scan registration bar;

FIG. 4 presents a display example of a pop-up window;

FIG. 5 presents a display example of a pop-up window;

FIG. 6 presents a display example of a pop-up window; and

FIG. 7 presents a display example of a pop-up window;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following is an explanation of an embodiment of the presentinvention, given in reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image scanning system achieved in theembodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image scanningsystem comprises an image scanning unit 1 and a host computer 2 whichmaybe a personal computer. The image scanning system is operated fromthe host computer 2. The host computer 2 includes a display monitor 2Aand an operating member 2B having a keyboard and a mouse. It is to benoted that the host computer 2 also includes a CPU, a hard disk driveHDD, a memory and the like.

The image scanning unit 1 comprises a CPU 11, a memory 12, an interfacecircuit 13, an illumination LED drive circuit 14, an analog signalprocessing circuit 15, an A/D converter 16, a digital signal processingcircuit 17, a timing control circuit 18, an original drive motor drivecircuit 19 and a magnetic signal processing circuit 20. The imagescanning unit 1 further includes a line sensor 21, a lens L, an originaldrive motor 22, an LED light source 23, an optical information scanningsensor 24, an original position detection sensor 25 and a magnetic head26.

The CPU 11 engages in communication with the host computer 2 via theinterface circuit 13. In addition, the CPU 11 individually controls thetiming control circuit 18, the digital signal processing circuit 17, theoriginal drive motor drive circuit 19 and the magnetic signal processingcircuit 20. The memory 12 is utilized as a work area of the CPU 11. Thememory 12 is also used as a storage area where various scanningconditions set for an original scanning operation to be detailed later,image data undergoing and having undergone image processing and the likeare stored.

The interface circuit 13 may be constituted of, for instance, a SCSIinterface. The CPU 11 receives commands transmitted from the hostcomputer 2 via the interface circuit 13. In addition, the CPU 11transmits image data having undergone image processing at the digitalsignal processing circuit 17, information with regard to the imagescanning unit 1 which is stored in the memory 12 and the like to thehost computer 2 via the interface circuit 13.

The illumination LED drive circuit 14 executes light emission control onthe LED light source 23 that illuminates an original such as film.Illuminating light emitted from the LED light source 23 is transmittedthrough the film original and enters the lens L. The transmitted lighthaving entered lens L is condensed at the lens L and the condensed lightenters the line sensor 21. The line sensor 21 may be constituted of, forinstance, a CCD having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elementsarrayed on a line perpendicular to the longer side of the originalwithin a plane parallel to the film original. Each element constitutingthe line sensor 21 stores an electrical charge corresponding to theintensity of the light having entered therein. The operational timing,the length of time over which the electrical charge is stored and thelike are individually controlled for each element by the timing controlcircuit 18. The length of time over which the electrical charge isstored is determined in conformance to a command transmitted from theCPU 11 to the timing control circuit 18. As the charge storage operationis completed at the line sensor 21, the stored charges at the individualelements are output as image signals.

The analog signal processing circuit 15 amplifies the image signalsoutput from the line sensor 21, executes analog signal processing of theknown art such as noise removal, dark current correction andcompensation of Even/Odd black level DC difference and then outputs theimage signals having undergone the signal processing to the A/Dconverter 16. The operational timing of the analog signal processingcircuit 15 is controlled by the timing control circuit 18. The A/Dconverter 16 executes an A/D conversion on the analog image signalsinput from the analog signal processing circuit 15, thereby obtainingdigital image data. An operational timing signal such as a conversionclock for the A/D converter 16 is provided by the timing control circuit18.

The digital signal processing circuit 17 executes image processing suchas shading correction, gradation correction and color balance correctionon the digital image data and outputs the image data having undergonethe image processing to the memory 12. The digital signal processingcircuit 17 includes an LUT (lookup table) having stored thereingradation characteristics conversion data.

The original drive motor drive circuit 19 rotates the original drivemotor 22 in response to a command issued by the CPU 11 and thus feedsthe film original by driving a feeding mechanism (not shown). Byadjusting the rotating speed and the rotating direction of the originaldrive motor 22, the film original can be fed, advanced or rewound. It isto be noted that FIG. 1 does not include an illustration of the take-upunit at which the-film original is taken up.

In the embodiment, the original drive motor 22 is also utilized forsub-scanning during an image scanning operation. The film original issub-scanned or conveyed along the direction in which the longer side ofthe film original extends each time an image corresponding to a singleline is captured at the line sensor 21 so as to allow the line sensor 21to capture the image of the entire film original plane. By repeatedlyexecuting a main scanning operation to capture an image of a single lineat a time with the line sensor 21 while sub-scanning the film originalwith the original drive motor drive circuit 19, the image of the filmoriginal plane is captured with the line sensor 21 and the image isscanned.

The original position detection sensor 25 transmits a detection signalobtained by detecting, for instance, a perforation in the film to theCPU 11. The CPU 11 detects the position of the film original by countingdetection signals provided by the original position detection sensor 25.The optical information scanning sensor 24 detects optical informationwhich may be, for instance, a bar code on the film original andtransmits the detection signal to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 obtainsinformation with regard to the film original from the detection signalprovided by the optical information scanning sensor 24.

The magnetic head 26 detects magnetic information which may be, forinstance, recorded in the film and transmits the detection signal to themagnetic signal processing circuit 20. It also records informationtransmitted from the magnetic signal processing circuit 20 into thefilm. The magnetic signal processing circuit 20 converts a signaldetected at the magnetic head 26 to a digital signal by shaping it andalso shapes information to be recorded transmitted from the CPU 11 andoutputs the shaped information to the magnetic head 26.

The original is read or scanned through the following procedural stepsat the image scanning unit 1 described above.

-   -   1. Insert the film original.    -   2. Capture thumbnail images (read thumbnail images).    -   3. Specify a frame to be scanned.    -   4. Set scanning conditions.    -   5. Perform preliminary image-capturing operation (read a        reference image)    -   6. Set image-capturing conditions.    -   7. Perform main image-capturing operation (read main image).

Thumbnail images are roughly scanned images which are used to select aframe to be scanned. A thumbnail image is normally captured for each ofthe frames in the film original.

A reference image is used to determine the exposure conditions and thelike. In the embodiment, the CPU 11 of the image scanning unit 1 usesthe reference image data to detect the density distribution in the imagein the corresponding frame.

The following settings may be selected by the operator as the scanningconditions. If there are a plurality of frames to be scanned, theconditions can be specified for each frame. An initial value is set inadvance for each of the items constituting the scanning conditions, andthe initial values are stored in the memory 12. It is to be noted thatthe initial values set for the individual items are used when capturingthumbnail images.

-   -   1 the scanning range of the film original    -   2 the number of pixels to constitute the scanned image data,        i.e., the resolution of the scanned image data    -   3 the contrast of the scanned image data    -   4 the color balance in the scanned image data    -   5 the gradation of the scanned image data, i.e., the tone curve        of the scanned image data

The image-capturing conditions include the light output quantity of theLED light source 23, the length of time over which electrical chargesare to be stored at the line sensor 21 and the order in which electriccharges are to be stored at the individual elements, set for the mainimage-capturing operation. The image-capturing conditions are determinedby the CPU 11 at the image scanning unit 1 in correspondence to thedensity distribution in the image. It is to be noted that initial valuesset in advance for the items constituting the image-capturing conditionsare used as the image-capturing conditions under which the thumbnailimage-capturing operation and the preliminary image-capturing operationare performed.

The image scanning unit 1 in the embodiment continuously executes 5)preliminary image-capturing operation, 6) image-capturing conditionsetting and 7) main image-capturing operation among the scanningprocedural steps described above, automatically in response to a scanstart instruction. If a plurality of frames are specified for thescanning, the plurality of frames of images are continuously scanned (acontinuous scan). The present invention is characterized in that thelength of time required to execute the scan processing after the scanstart instruction is issued, that is, the estimated length of processingtime is calculated through an arithmetic operation. The length of scanprocessing time is calculated for each procedural step to be executedfor a given frame.

FIG. 2 presents a flowchart of the processing executed at the hostcomputer 2 connected with the image scanning unit 1. After setting thefilm original at the image scanning unit 1, the operator engages thehost computer 2 in the execution of an image scanning program. Theoperator specifies the type of the film original an image of which is tobe scanned in a menu (not shown) brought up on display at the monitor2A. Possible film original types include, for instance, positive film,color negative film and monochrome negative film.

As the operator performs a start operation by specifying the originaltype, a thumbnail image-capturing instruction is transmitted from thehost computer 2 to the image scanning unit 1. Upon receiving thethumbnail image-capturing instruction via the interface circuit 13, theCPU 11 issues an instruction for the original drive motor drive circuit19 to feed the film original. When the CPU 11 judges that the baseportion of the leading frame of the film original has reached theimage-capturing range of the area sensor 21 based upon the detectionsignal input from the original position detection sensor 25, the CPU 11outputs a command to the timing control circuit 18 and thus issues aninstruction to capture an image of the base portion. The base portion ofthe leading frame is an area outside the image recording area, where noimage has been recorded. The CPU 11 detects the density in the baseportion based upon the signal level indicated by the image-capturingsignal obtained at the line sensor 21.

The CPU 11 obtains the magnetic information via the magnetic head 26 andthe magnetic signal processing circuit 20, and also obtains the opticalinformation via the optical information scanning sensor 24, whileengaging the original drive motor drive circuit 19 to feed the filmoriginal over the full frame range. The individual sets of informationeach obtained in correspondence to one of the frame numbers are thenstored by the CPU 11 into the memory 12 in correspondence to thespecific frame numbers. In addition, while obtaining the magneticinformation and the optical information, the CPU 11 outputs a commandindividually to the illumination LED drive circuit 14 and the timingcontrol circuit 18 so as to capture thumbnail images of all the framesin the film original.

The CPU 11 outputs a command for the digital signal processing circuit17 to execute image processing on the image signals obtained through thethumbnail image-capturing operation at the scanning condition initialvalues, and then transmits the image data having undergone the imageprocessing to the host computer 2 via the interface circuit 13.

In step S1 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 displays the receivedthumbnail image data at the display window inside the monitor 2A andthen the operation proceeds to step S2. FIG. 3 presents a displayexample of a thumbnail image display area 31 and a continuous scanregistration list bar 32 brought up on display inside the window. In thethumbnail image display area 31, a thumbnail image corresponding toframe number 1 is displayed at the upper left corner of the area and athumbnail image corresponding to frame number 5 is displayed at the leftend in the second row in the area. In each subsequent row, fourthumbnail images are displayed from left to right, with the last rowending with frame number X. In the continuous scan registration list bar32, the frame numbers assigned to the images to be scanned aredisplayed. It is to be noted that since the images to be read arespecified in the next step S2, the continuous scan registration list bar32 is blank at this point.

The operator specifies the frame numbers of the images to be scannedfrom X thumbnail images displayed inside the thumbnail image displayarea 31 at the monitor 2A by operating the operating member 2B. In stepS2, as the operating member 2B is clicked while the cursor is placed onthe thumbnail image corresponding to a given frame number or on a givenframe number, the host computer 2 displays a registration number at thecontinuous scan registration list bar 32 and also registers the framenumber as the number assigned to the image to undergo a main readoperation. The registration number starts from 1 and is incremented eachtime a new frame to be scanned is specified. In the example presented inFIG. 3, 18 frames of images have been specified for the scan.

Instep S3 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as to whetheror not the frames of the images to be scanned have all been specified.The host computer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S3 if theoperator has selected an item for the completion of the specification ofthe frames to be scanned from a menu (not shown), and then the operationproceeds to step S4. If, on the other hand, the operation to completethe specification of the frames to be scanned has not been performed,the host computer 2 makes a negative decision in step S3 and theoperation returns to step S2.

In step S4, the host computer 2 makes a decision as to whether or notthe scanning conditions are to be set. The host computer 2 makes anaffirmative decision in step S4 if an operation to change the initialvalue of a scanning condition has been performed via the operatingmember 2B, and the operation proceeds to step S5 in this case. If, onthe other hand, no operation to change any of the scanning conditionshas been performed, it makes a negative decision in step S4 and theoperation proceeds to step S6.

The following settings may be selected as the scanning conditions. Aninitial value is set in advance for each of the items constituting thescanning conditions, and the initial values are stored in the memory 12shown in FIG. 1. The scanning conditions can be set for each of theframes of images to be scanned.

-   -   1 the scanning range of the film original    -   2 the number of pixels to constitute the scanned image data,        i.e., the resolution of the scanned image data    -   3 the contrast of the scanned image data    -   4 the color balance in the scanned image data    -   5 the gradation of the scanned image data, i.e., the tone curve        of the scanned image data

In step S5, the host computer 2 individually sets the scanningconditions as described below, before the operation proceeds to step S6.

-   -   1 scanning range of the film original

If the operator wishes to scan an image over a range different from therange of the thumbnail image displayed inside the thumbnail imagedisplay area 31 shown in FIG. 3, he selects (crops) the desired scanningrange by, for instance, dragging the operating member 2B. It is to benoted that the cropping operation can be executed by displaying thethumbnail image in an enlargement. The host computer 2 sets the croppedrange as the scanning range for the corresponding frame.

-   -   2 the resolution of the scanned image data

As the desired resolution of the image data, the operator enters, forinstance, the number of pixels per inch, i.e., the unit dpi (dots perinch), via the operating member 2B. The host computer 2 sets the numberof pixels X along the horizontal direction and the number of pixels Yalong the vertical direction to constitute the scanned image data incorrespondence to the dpi value.

-   -   3 the contrast of the scanned image data

The operator moves a slider displayed, for instance, in a contrastsetting palette (not shown) by dragging the operating member 2B. If theslider is moved along the direction to raise the contrast, the hostcomputer 2 sets the contrast higher than the initial value, whereas ifthe slider is moved along the direction to lower the contrast, the hostcomputer 2 sets the contrast lower than the initial value. It sets thecontrast at the initial value if the slider is moved to the centralposition.

-   -   4 the color balance of the scanned image data

The operator moves sliders displayed, for instance, in a color balancesetting palette (not shown) by dragging the operating member 2B. If aslider “R” for red is moved along the direction to intensify the redcolor, the host computer 2 sets the red color intensity higher than theinitial value, whereas if the slider “R” for red is moved along thedirection to lower the intensity, it sets the red color intensity lowerthan the initial value. If the slider for red is moved to the centralposition, the host computer 2 sets the red color intensity to theinitial value. The green color intensity and the blue color intensityare set in a similar manner by moving a slider “G” for green and aslider “B” for green respectively.

-   -   5 the tone curve of the scanned image data

The operator manipulates the gradation curve displayed in, for instance,a tone curve setting palette (not shown) by dragging the operatingmember 2B. The host computer 2 modifies a correction curve to be used tocorrect the image data gradation in correspondence to the modifiedgradation curve.

In step S6 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as to whetheror not the scanning conditions are to be verified. If the operator hasperformed an operation to verify the scanning conditions, the hostcomputer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S6 and the operationproceeds to step S7. If, on the other hand, an operation for verifyingthe scanning conditions has not been performed, the host computer 2makes a negative decision in step S6 and the operation proceeds to stepS8.

In step S7, the host computer 2 brings up the individual scanningconditions on display as described below, before the operation proceedsto step S8.

The operator specifies a frame of image data with regard to which hewishes to verify the scanning conditions among the X thumbnail imagesdisplayed inside the thumbnail image display area 31 at the monitor 2Aby operating the operating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor isplaced at the image assigned with frame number 3, the host computer 2brings up a pop-up display of the scanning (scan) order, the scanningconditions, the estimated length of required scan processing time andthe like corresponding to the frame.

FIG. 4 presents a display example of a pop-up window 41. “SCAN ORDER:SEVENTEENTH” in the pop-up window 41, which matches the registrationnumber in the continuous scan registration list bar 32, indicates thatthe image is to be scanned seventeenth in the scan order. “AF: NO”indicates that autofocus processing prior to the preliminaryimage-capturing operation is to be skipped. If, on the other hand, “AF:YES” is set, autofocus processing of the known art is executed beforethe preliminary image-capturing operation. “PRE-SCAN: YES” indicatesthat the preliminary image-capturing operations is to be executed.“RESOLUTION” and the subsequent items on display indicate theinformation on the settings selected for the scanning conditions 1 to 5described above. “SCAN TIME” indicates the total of the estimatedprocessing time to scan the frame (frame number 3 in this example). Theestimated processing time is to be described in detail later.

If the cursor is placed on, for instance, the display of “SCAN TIME”inside the pop-up window 41, the host computer 2 brings up a pop-updisplay of the estimated lengths of time required to execute theindividual steps during the scan. “FRAME NUMBER: 3” in a pop-up window42 in FIG. 4 indicates the number assigned to the frame. “AF TIME: 0sec” indicates the estimated length of required processing time for theautofocus processing. When “AF: NO” is selected, the length ofprocessing time on display is 0 sec. “PRE-SCAN TIME: 11 sec” indicatesthe estimated length of required processing time for the preliminaryimage-capturing operation. “MAIN SCAN TIME: 20 sec” indicates theestimated length of required processing time for the mainimage-capturing operation.

In step S8 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as to whetheror not the processing time is to be verified. The host computer 2 makesan affirmative decision in step S8 if the operator has performed anoperation for verifying the processing time and the processing end timepoint, and the operation proceeds to step S9 in this case. If, on theother hand, the operation to verify the processing time has not beenperformed, the host computer 2 makes a negative decision in step S8 andthe operation proceeds to step S10.

In step S9, the host computer 2 brings up a display of the processingtime as described below, and the operation proceeds to step S10.

The operator specifies the blank area to the right of the lastregistration number (18 in this example) in the continuous scanregistration list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A by operating theoperating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor is placed at the blankarea to the right of frame number 18, the host computer 2 brings up apop-up display of the length of time required to scan all the frames ofimages that are registered, the current time point and the like.

FIG. 5 presents a display example of a pop-up window 51. “FRAME NUMBERCURRENTLY UNDERGOING PROCESSING: 0/18” in the pop-up window 51 indicatesthat the image scan has not started yet. “REQUIRED TIME: 0 hour, 44 min,24 sec” indicates the estimated length of time required to scan all theframes of images. “REQUIRED TIME REMAINING: 0 hour, 44 min, 24 sec”indicates the same value as the required time since the scan has notstarted yet. “CURRENT TIME POINT: 14:20:11” is the current time pointread out from a clock inside the host computer 2. “START TIME POINT:14:20:11” indicates the same value as that of the current time pointsince the scan is yet to start. “END TIME POINT: 15:04:35” indicates thetime point calculated by adding the required time remaining to the starttime point.

In step S10 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as towhether or not the continuous scan is to be started. The host computer 2makes an affirmative decision in step S10 if the operator has executedan operation to instruct a scan start and the operation proceeds to stepS11. If, on the other hand, no operation to instruct a scan start hasbeen performed, the host computer 2 makes a negative decision in stepS10 and the operation returns to step S4.

In step S11, the host computer 2 transmits the information on the framesof images to be scanned, i.e., the specific frames of images to bescanned and the scan order, the scanning conditions, both set asexplained above, and a start instruction to the image scanning unit 1.Then the operation proceeds to step S12.

As the CPU 11 at the image scanning unit 1 receives the information onthe frames of images to be scanned, the scanning conditions and thestart instruction from the host computer 2, the CPU 11 changes thescanning conditions from their initial values as necessary and storesthe modified scanning conditions into the memory 12 in correspondence tothe individual frame numbers assigned to the images to be scanned. Inaddition, the CPU 11 issues a command for the original drive motor drivecircuit 19 to feed the first frame to be scanned to the position atwhich the line sensor 21 is set. The CPU 11 individually outputscommands to the illumination LED drive circuit 14 and the timing controlcircuit 18 to execute a preliminary image-capturing operation for theframe. The CPU 11 determines the density distribution in the image inthe frame based upon the image data output from the digital signalprocessing circuit 17.

The CPU 11 executes an exposure calculation in conformance to the lowestdensity, the highest density and the density frequency distribution inthe frame and determines the image-capturing conditions such as thelight output from the LED light source 23 and the length of the chargestorage time at the line sensor 21 under which the main image-capturingoperation is to be executed. If the light output from the LED lightsource 23 is set at a constant value, the length of charge storage timeshould be varied. The CPU 11 sets the image-capturing conditions at thetiming control circuit 18 and the illumination LED drive circuit 14, andalso sets the scanning conditions for the current frame at the digitalsignal processing circuit 17. Thus, the digital signal processingcircuit 17 is enabled to prepare image processing parameterscorresponding to the scanning conditions that have been set.

Then, the CPU 11 individually outputs commands to the illumination LEDdrive circuit 14 and the timing control circuit 18 to execute the mainimage-capturing operation for the frame. The CPU 11 stores the imagedata having undergone the image processing that are output from thedigital signal processing circuit 17 into the memory 12. The CPU 11transmits the scanned image in the memory 12 to the host computer 2 viathe interface circuit 13.

The image scanning unit 1 repeatedly executes the preliminaryimage-capturing operation, the image-capturing condition selection andthe main image-capturing operation for all the frames of imagesspecified for the scan. It is to be noted that the CPU 11 transmitsinformation indicating the length of time having been required toexecute the autofocus processing, the length of time having beenrequired to execute the preliminary image-capturing processing and thelength of time having been required to execute the main image-capturingprocessing to the host computer 2 in correspondence to each frame. Thehost computer 2 registers these lengths of time having been required toexecute the various types of processing in a database to be detailedlater.

In step S12 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as towhether or not the processing time is to be verified. The host computer2 makes an affirmative decision in step S12 if the operator hasperformed an operation for verifying the processing time and theprocessing end time point, and the operation proceeds to step S13 inthis case. If, on the other hand, the operation to verify the processingtime has not been performed, the host computer 2 makes a negativedecision in step S12 and the operation proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, the host computer 2 brings up a display of the processingtime as described below, and the operation proceeds to step S14.

The operator specifies the blank area to the right of the lastregistration number (18 in this example) in the continuous scanregistration list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A by operating theoperating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor is placed at the blankarea to the right of frame number 18, the host computer 2 brings up apop-up display of the length of time required to scan all the frames ofimages that are registered, the current time point and the like. FIG. 6presents a display example of a pop-up window 61. “FRAME NUMBERCURRENTLY UNDERGOING PROCESSING: 7/18” in the pop-up window 61 indicatesthat the seventh frame in the scan order among the 18 frames iscurrently undergoing the scan processing. “REQUIRED TIME: 0 hour, 44min, 24 sec” indicates the estimated length of time required to scan allthe frames of images. “REQUIRED TIME REMAINING: 0 hour, 28 min, 33 sec”indicates the estimated length of required processing time to elapseafter the pop-up display is brought up. “CURRENT TIME POINT: 14:39:11”is the current time point read out from the clock inside the hostcomputer 2. “START TIME POINT: 14:23:20” indicates the time point atwhich the scan start operation was performed. “END TIME POINT: 15:07:44”indicates the time point calculated by adding the required timeremaining to the current time point.

In step S14 in FIG. 2, the host computer 2 makes a decision as towhether or not the processing time is to be verified again. The hostcomputer 2 makes an affirmative decision in step S14 if the operator hasperformed an operation for verifying the processing time and theprocessing end time point, and the operation returns to step S13 in thiscase. If, on the other hand, the operation to verify the processing timehas not been performed, the host computer 2 makes a negative decision instep S14 and the operation proceeds to step S15.

As the host computer 2 receives image data obtained through the mainimage-capturing operation executed on all the frames of images specifiedfor the scan from the image scanning unit 1 in step S15, the processingin FIG. 2 ends. Through this processing, the image data in each of theframes having been continuously scanned are stored into a data storagedevice (not shown) inside the host computer 2.

Now, the estimated length of processing time is explained. Every time anoriginal is scanned, the host computer 2 counts the length of time thatelapses after the scan start is instructed until the image data arereceived from the image scanning unit 1 and registers the results of thecount into the database. The database is provided inside the datastorage device (not shown). The data in the database are classified incorrespondence to, for instance, the original film types, the scanningconditions including the scanned image data resolutions and theindividual steps such as the preliminary image-capturing operation andthe main image-capturing operation.

In addition, the host computer 2 registers the lengths of time havingbeen required to execute the various steps such as the autofocusprocessing, the preliminary image-capturing processing and the mainimage-capturing processing for each image frame received from the imagescanning unit 1 into the database. Such information is not registeredinto the database if a given type of processing has not been completedin a normal manner. For instance, if the autofocus processing on a givenimage undergoing the scan has not been completed within a predeterminedlength of time due to low contrast, the autofocus processing time forthe image is not registered in the database.

In addition, the processing time information is not registered if thecorresponding processing is canceled while it is in progress. Forinstance, if the preliminary image-capturing processing on a given imageis canceled while the processing is in progress, the correspondinglength of preliminary image-capturing processing time is not registeredin the database. The processing time information is not registeredeither if an error occurs while the processing is in progress. Forinstance, if an error is detected in the system, the correspondinglength of processing time is not registered in the database.

The host computer 2 estimates a length of processing time by calculatingthe average of, for instance, the twenty values representing the twentyprocessing operations most recently executed by using the dataregistered in the database as described above. For instance, theestimated length of time required to execute the preliminaryimage-capturing operation is calculated as the average (the recentaverage) of the lengths of the preliminary image-capturing operationsmost recently executed on film originals of the same type at the sameresolution by using the data registered in the database. The estimatedlength of time required to execute the main image-capturing operation,too, is calculated as the recent average of the lengths of mainimage-capturing operations most recently executed on film originals ofthe same type at the same resolution by using the data registered in thedatabase.

The following advantages are achieved in the embodiment explained above.

-   -   (1) As the operator specifies a frame with regard to which he        wishes to verify the scanning conditions from the X thumbnail        images displayed inside the thumbnail image display area 31 at        the monitor 2A by operating the operating member 2B, the host        computer 2 displays the order in which the frame is to be        scanned (scan order), the scanning conditions set for the frame,        the estimated length of processing time and the like in the        pop-up window 41. Thus, an image scanning system achieving a        high degree of ease of use, which allows the operator to check        the scanning information on a desired frame through a simple        operation, can be provided.    -   (2) As the operator specifies the scan time display in the        pop-up window 41 by operating the operating member 2B, the host        computer 2 displays the lengths of time required to scan the        frame in correspondence to the individual steps in the pop-up        window 42. Thus, an image scanning system achieving a high        degree of ease of use, which allows the operator to check the        length of time required to scan the desired frame through a        simple operation, can be provided.    -   (3) As the operator specifies the blank area to the right of the        last registration number in the continuous scan registration        list bar 32 displayed at the monitor 2A, e.g., registration        number 18 in FIG. 6, by operating the operating member 2B, the        host computer 2 displays the length of time required to scan all        the frames of images that are registered, the current time point        and the like in the pop-up window 61. Thus, an image scanning        system achieving a high degree of ease of use, which allows the        operator to check the frame number assigned to the image        currently being scanned, the overall length of time required for        the scan and the estimated length of time required to complete        the scan after the pop-up display comes up through a simple        operation, can be provided. Since the operator does not need to        remain in the vicinity of the image scanning system once he        instructs the scan start, the operator can use his time        efficiently until the scan end time point. In addition, the        scanning conditions such as the resolution set by the operator        are reflected in the length of time required to complete the        scan, i.e., the end time point, and thus, it is possible to scan        images at the highest possible image quality even if a limited        length of time can be spent for the scan.    -   (4) The length of time required or elapsed to execute an actual        image scan is counted, and the results of the count are        registered in the database in correspondence to the scanning        conditions and the individual steps. Then, the average of the n        values, e.g., twenty values, representing the lengths of time        having been required for scan operations most recently executed        is calculated as the estimated processing time. Thus, the        estimated length of processing time is calculated statistically.        As a result, the accuracy with which the required processing        time is estimated improves even when the length of the scan time        fluctuates as different images are scanned.

While the estimated length of processing time is calculated by averagingthe values indicated by twenty sets of data having been registered inthe database most recently, the number of sets of data used for thispurpose does not need to be twenty. The estimated length of processingtime may the calculated as the average of ten or one hundred valuesrepresenting the lengths of time having been required to execute theprocessing most recently, instead.

Instead of calculating the average value of processing time lengths, thevalue that is most frequently indicated by the data registered in thedatabase may be used as the estimated length of processing time. In sucha case, the value most frequently indicated in the data registered inthe database in correspondence to specific scanning conditions and aspecific step should be searched and used as the estimated length ofprocessing time. The search conditions under which the most frequentvalue is searched in the database may be selected so that:

-   -   (1) the most frequent value is searched from all the data        registered in the database,    -   (2) the most frequent value is searched, for instance, from        twenty sets of data having been registered most recently, or    -   (3) the most frequent value is searched, for instance, from one        hundred sets of data having been registered most recently.

The value most frequently indicated by the data registered in thedatabase may be searched in the following manner. The lengths ofprocessing time registered in the database are stratified in, forinstance, 5-second increments and a range over which the greatest numberof sets of data are distributed is selected. If, for instance, thegreatest number of sets of data are distributed over the range of 20seconds or longer and less than 25 seconds, the median of the range,i.e., 22.5 sec, is set as the estimated length of processing time.

The pop-up window 42 in FIG. 4 described above may include a display ofthe length of time required to feed the film. In such a case, the lengthof time required to feed the film original from the scanned frameposition preceding the current frame to the current frame positionshould be indicated. By including the length of time required to feedthe film original, the length of time required for the scan processingcan be indicated even more accurately when images in consecutive framesin the film original are not scanned. It is to be noted that the scantime in the pop-up window 41 should indicate the length of time thatincludes the length of time required for the film feed in this case.

In addition, the display in the pop-up window 42 may include the lengthof time required to execute image processing as well. In such a case,the length of time required to execute the image processing at thedigital signal processing circuit 17 should be displayed. The length oftime required for the scan can be indicated more accurately by includingthe length of time required for the image processing when, for instance,the resolution is set to a high level or when a defect or the likecontained in the image is automatically corrected during the imageprocessing. It is to be noted that the scan time indicated in the pop-upwindow 41 should include the length of time required for the imageprocessing in this case.

The pop-up window 42 may also include a display of the length of timerequired to execute the image data output processing. In such a case,the length of time required to output the data from the image scanningunit 1 to the host computer 2 should be indicated. The length of timerequired for the scan can be indicated more accurately by including thelength of time required for the data output when, for instance, theresolution is set to a high level. It is to be noted that the scan timedisplayed in the pop-up window 41, too, should indicate the length oftime that includes the length of time required for the image output inthis case.

Instead of displaying the scanning conditions as in step S7 in FIG. 2described above, they may be brought up on a pop-up display as describedbelow. The operator specifies a registration number assigned to theimage with regard to which he wishes to verify the scanning conditionsamong the registration numbers in the continuous scan registration listbar 32 (see FIG. 3) displayed at the monitor 2A by operating theoperating member 2B. If, for instance, the cursor is placed onregistration number 3, the host computer 2 brings up a pop-up display ofthe scan order, the scanning conditions, the estimated length ofrequired scan processing time and the like corresponding to the frame.

FIG. 7 presents a display example of a pop-up window 71. “FRAME NUMBER:X−1” in the pop-up window 71 indicates that the frame number assigned tothe image is (X−1). “AF: YES” indicates that autofocus processing is tobe executed. “PRE-SCAN: YES” indicates that the preliminaryimage-capturing operation is to be executed. “RESOLUTION” and thesubsequent items on display indicate the information on the settingsselected for the scanning conditions 1 to 5 described earlier. “SCANTIME” indicates the total of the estimated processing time required toscan the frame (frame number (X−1) in this example). Since the pop-upwindow 72 is similar to the pop-up window 42 in FIG. 4 describedearlier, its explanation is omitted.

The contents of the information displayed in the pop-up windows 41, 42,51, 61, 71 and 72 may be reproduced as audio data.

While the thumbnail image-capturing operation and the preliminaryimage-capturing operation are executed individually in the explanationgiven above, the preliminary image-capturing operation may be skipped bydetecting the density distribution in the image data obtained bycapturing the thumbnail image.

While an explanation is given above on an example in which a pluralityof specified frames (designated frames) of images are continuouslyscanned, the present invention may instead be adopted in a single framescan for scanning a single image frame.

In the embodiment described above, the image scanning system comprisesthe image scanning unit 1 and the host computer 2 and operationalinstructions are issued from the host computer 2. In addition, in theexample explained above, the image-capturing conditions are determinedat the CPU 11 of the image scanning unit 1, whereas the calculation ofthe estimated length of processing time is executed and the processingtime database is located at the host computer 2. Instead, the processinglisted above may all be executed at the CPU 11 and a database may be setup inside the memory 12. In such a case, the host computer 2 simplyissues operational instructions and executes display operations.

The image processing system may assume a stand-alone structure byproviding an operating member and a monitor display circuit at the imagescanning unit 1. Such a structure does not require the host computer 2.

While an explanation is given above on an example in which the presentinvention is adopted in an image scanning system, programs for enablingexecution of the image scan processing that is executed at the imagescanning unit 1 and the host computer 2 in the example explained abovemay be prepared separately and installed in an image scanning unit or ahost computer 2 so as to allow the image scanning unit 1 and the hostcomputer 2 to be utilized as an image scanning system. In such a case,the image scanning system operates by executing the programs loaded intothe memory 12 of the image scanning unit 1 and a data storage device ata personal computer or the like. It is to be noted that if the imagescanning system adopts a stand-alone configuration, the program for thehost computer 2 is not necessary. The programs may be loaded byinstalling recording media having the programs stored therein or theymay be loaded via a network.

The above described embodiment is an example, and various modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. An image scanning system comprising: an image-capturing device thatcaptures an image of a scan original and outputs image signals; an imageprocessing circuit that executes image processing on the image signals;an image signal output device that outputs the image signals havingundergone the image processing; a calculation device that calculates anestimated length of required time to complete image signal output aftera scan instruction with regard to the scan original is issued; and acalculation result output device that outputs calculation resultsobtained at the calculation device.
 2. An image scanning systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: the calculation device also calculates anestimated end time point by adding the estimated length of required timeto a current time point; and the calculation result output deviceoutputs at least one of the estimated length of required time and theestimated end time point.
 3. An image scanning system according to claim1, wherein: the image-capturing device executes a preliminaryimage-capturing operation and a main image-capturing operation on thescan original; and the calculation device calculates a total of lengthsof required time to execute steps of, at least, the preliminaryimage-capturing operation, the main image-capturing operation, the imageprocessing and the image signal output.
 4. An image scanning systemaccording to claim 3, further comprising: a storage device in which anactual length of required time is stored in memory in correspondence toeach of the steps, the actual length of time being a length of timehaving been required to actually execute a step, wherein: thecalculation device calculates a length of required time to execute eachof the steps by averaging n values each representing the actual lengthof required time for executing a step, which have been stored into thestorage device most recently.
 5. An image scanning system according toclaim 3, further comprising: a storage device in which an actual lengthof required time is stored in memory in correspondence to each of thesteps, the actual length of required time being a length of time havingbeen required to actually execute a step, wherein: the calculationdevice calculates a length of required time to execute each of the stepsas a value most frequently indicated among values each representing theactual length of required time for executing a step, which have beenstored in the storage device.
 6. An image scanning system according toclaim 4, further comprising: a control device that controls the storagedevice so as not to store the actual length of required timecorresponding to a step among the steps under at least one of followingconditions: if the actual length of required time for the step exceeds apredetermined length of time; if the step is canceled while the step isin progress; and if an error occurs during the step.
 7. An imagescanning system according to claim 5, further comprising: a controldevice that controls the storage device so as not to store the actuallength of required time corresponding to a step among the steps under atleast one of following conditions: if the actual length of required timefor the step exceeds a predetermined length of time; if the step iscanceled while the step is in progress; and if an error occurs duringthe step.
 8. An image scanning system according to claim 3, wherein: thecalculation result output device also outputs a length of required timeto execute each of the steps.
 9. An image scanning system according toclaim 4, wherein: the calculation result output device also outputs thelength of required time to execute each of the steps.
 10. An imagescanning system according to claim 5, wherein: the calculation resultoutput device also outputs the length of required time to execute eachof the steps.
 11. An image scanning system according to claim 1,wherein: the scan original includes a plurality of frames; thecalculation device calculates the estimated length of required time tocomplete output of all the image signals corresponding to designatedframes among the plurality of frames after a scan instruction is issuedwith regard to the designated frames; and the calculation result outputdevice outputs calculation results obtained by the calculation device.12. An image scanning system according to claim 11, wherein: theimage-capturing device executes a preliminary image-capturing operationand a main image-capturing operation for each of the designated frames;and the calculation device calculates lengths of time required toexecute steps of, at least, the preliminary image-capturing operation,the main image-capturing operation, the image processing and the imagesignal output for each of the designated frames and also calculates alength of required time to feed the scan original.
 13. An image scanningsystem according to claim 12, further comprising: a storage device inwhich an actual length of required time is stored in memory incorrespondence to each of the steps and a feed time that has beenrequired to actually feed the scan original is also stored in memory,the actual length of required time being a length of time having beenrequired to actually execute a step, wherein: the calculation device (a)calculates a length of required time to execute each of the steps byaveraging n values each representing the actual lengths of required timefor executing a step, which have been stored into the storage devicemost recently and (b) calculates the length of required time to feed thescan original by averaging n values each representing the feed time,which have been stored into the storage device most recently.
 14. Animage scanning system according to claim 12, further comprising: astorage device in which an actual length of required time is stored inmemory in correspondence to each of the steps, and a feed time that hasbeen required to actually feed the scan original is also stored inmemory, the actual length of required time being a length of time havingbeen required to actually execute a step, wherein: the calculationdevice (a) calculates a length of required time to execute each of thesteps as a value most frequently indicated among values eachrepresenting the actual length of required time for executing a step,that have been stored in the storage device and (b) calculates thelength of required time to feed the scan original as a value mostfrequently indicated among values each representing the feed time, thathave been stored in the storage device.
 15. A computer-readable computerprogram product having an image scan processing control program, thecontrol program comprising: a start instruction for starting a scan of ascan original; an image signal processing instruction for executingimage processing on image signals obtained by capturing an image of thescan original; an image signal output instruction for outputting theimage signals having undergone the image processing; a calculateinstruction for calculating an estimated length of required time tocomplete an output of the image signals after the start instruction forstarting the scan is issued; a calculation result output instruction foroutputting calculation results obtained in response to the calculateinstruction.
 16. A computer-readable computer program product accordingto claim 15, wherein: control is implemented in conformance to thecalculation instruction so as to further calculate an estimated end timepoint obtained by adding the estimated length of required time to acurrent time point; and control is implemented in conformance to thecalculation result output instruction so as to output at least one ofthe estimated length of required time and the estimated end time point.17. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim 15,wherein: the computer-readable computer program product is a recordingmedium on which the image scan processing control program is recorded.18. A computer-readable computer program product according to claim 15,wherein: the computer-readable computer program product is a carrierwave in which the image scan processing control program is embodied as adata signal.
 19. An image scanning method, comprising: capturing animage of a scan original; executing image processing on image signalsobtained by capturing the image of the scan original; outputting theimage signals having undergone the image processing; calculating anestimated length of required time to complete an output of the imagesignals after a scan of the scan original is instructed; and outputtingcalculation results with regard to the estimated length of requiredtime.